FreeTaxUSA
File your freelance federal taxes free — truly free.
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FreeTaxUSA offers genuinely free federal tax filing including Schedule C for self-employed individuals. This means freelancers can file complete federal returns including all self-employment deductions at zero cost. State returns are $14.99. While the interface is less polished than TurboTax, it covers all the critical Schedule C fields and deductions.
Our Scores
3.8
Ease of Use
3.9
Features
5.0
Value
3.5
Support
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Federal filing is genuinely free including Schedule C
- ✓State returns are only $14.99 — far cheaper than competitors
- ✓Covers all key self-employment deductions
- ✓Prior year comparison and import available
- ✓Audit defense add-on available for peace of mind
Cons
- ✗Basic interface — less intuitive than TurboTax or H&R Block
- ✗No live CPA support on base plan
- ✗Limited import from accounting software
- ✗No mobile app for filing (web-only)
Best For
- →Freelancers who want zero-cost federal filing
- →Self-employed filers comfortable with doing their own taxes
- →Budget-conscious gig workers and 1099 contractors
- →Schedule C filers with uncomplicated situations
Not Ideal For
- ✗Those who want step-by-step guided hand-holding
- ✗Freelancers with very complex multi-state or international situations
- ✗Anyone who wants live professional support included
Pricing
Free
Free
federal return
- ✓Federal 1040 filing
- ✓Schedule C
- ✓All self-employment deductions
- ✓1099 income
- ✓Prior year import
Deluxe
$7.99
federal return
- ✓Free plan features
- ✓Unlimited amended returns
- ✓Priority support
- ✓Live chat
Estimate Your Tax Bill First
Use our free quarterly tax calculator to estimate how much you owe before filing.
Free Quarterly Tax Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
Is FreeTaxUSA really free for self-employed?
Yes. FreeTaxUSA offers truly free federal filing including Schedule C for self-employed and freelancers. There is no hidden upgrade required to access self-employment forms.
How much does state filing cost with FreeTaxUSA?
State returns are $14.99 each, making FreeTaxUSA far cheaper than TurboTax ($49-59/state) or H&R Block for comparable coverage.
Is FreeTaxUSA accurate for freelancers?
Yes. FreeTaxUSA uses IRS-approved software and covers all Schedule C deductions accurately. Millions of self-employed Americans file with it each year. The limitation is the interface, not the accuracy.
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Tax Information Notice
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified CPA or Enrolled Agent for your specific situation.